The Santa Barbara Independent

President’s Day Storm Brings Heavy Rain, Downed Trees to Santa Barbara County

Public Safety By Ryan P. Cruz

Highway 101 was forced to close after a eucalyptus tree fell near Fairview Avenue on Monday.

One Last Look at the 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Photo By Leslie Dinaberg

A photo recap of the 41st edition of SBIFF.

The McHurley Year

SBIFF By Josef Woodard

SBIFF 2026 presented a full and satisfying slate of celebrity tributes and a chock-full global survey of cinema, but the main event was the opening of the McHurley Film Center.

Four Injured After Pickup Crashes into Overpass Pillar off Highway 101 in Goleta

Public Safety By Ella Heydenfeldt

President’s Day collision on Patterson Avenue off-ramp sends four to the hospital, including two children.

California to Weigh In on Fate of Platform Holly off Goleta’s Coast

Environment By Ella Heydenfeldt

Scientists and environmentalists are split over whether to fully or partially remove the decommissioned oil platform turned underwater “nursery grounds.”

Inside Birth of Reason

Arts & Entertainment By Tiana Molony

Judi Weisbart’s latest endeavor empowers artists, inspires youth, and fuels a global paradigm shift toward compassion.

Rod Lathim Speaks his Truth in New Memoir

Books By Meaghan Clark Tiernan

The spiritual side of art, along with local history, get the spotlight in the artist’s latest book.

Café KITP: Physics of Intelligence

Tue, Feb 17 5:00 PM

Santa Barbara

The Courage of Birds with Pete Dunne

Tue, Feb 17 7:00 PM

Santa Barbara

CAMA Masterseries: Venice Baroque Orchestra

Tue, Feb 17 7:30 PM

Santa Barbara

Taj Mahal and Patty Griffin

Tue, Feb 17 7:30 PM

Santa Barbara

I.V. Unplugged with Jack Corliss

Wed, Feb 18 6:00 PM

Santa Barbara

Goleta Valley Library Film Club: Marty, 1955

Thu, Feb 19 1:30 PM

Goleta

Pocket Fox: The Farewell Show at SOhO

Thu, Feb 19 8:00 PM

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Antique & Vintage Show

Fri, Feb 20 11:00 AM

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Antique & Vintage Show

Sat, Feb 21 11:00 AM

Santa Barbara

multimedia Stories

One Last Look at the 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Photo

A photo recap of the 41st edition of SBIFF.

Bill Brown Chides ICE for “Excesses” – But Says Sheriff Must Stay “Neutral” Amid Anti-Immigrant Crusade

In an exclusive interview, Santa Barbara County’s top lawman expresses “empathy” for communities under federal siege, but insists his deputies cannot serve as watchdogs to protect protesters.

‘Welcome to Isla Vista’ Episode 6: The Cliff’s Edge

Audio

Property owners are cutting back parts of houses on Del Playa as the cliff erodes. Meanwhile, Santa Barbara County’s rental inspection program is underway. And folks talk about what could make I.V. a better place to live.

Outstanding Directors, Outstanding Conversationalists

Photo

Ryan Coogler, Josh Safdie, Joachim Trier, and Chloé Zhao each bring specific sparks to the Arlington Stage for SBIFF director of the year awards.

It’s One Love Fest After Another with DiCaprio, Penn, and Del Toro

Photo

SBIFF Cinema Vanguard Award pays tribute to powerhouse ‘One Battle After Another’ trio.

‘Welcome to Isla Vista’ Episode 5: The Quieter Corner

Audio

How has I.V. changed from the eyes of long-timers? What mass eviction event forced families out of town? And what’s with that dome house?

Solvang Stands with Minnesota

Photo

Vignettes from a peaceful rally in front of the Veterans Hall on Sunday, February 1.

UCSB Arts & Lectures ‘Air Time’: Joyce DiDonato and Time for Three: Emily — No Prisoner Be

Audio

A conversation with Charles Donelan.

UCSB Arts & Lectures ‘Air Time’ | Davóne Tines and Clay Zeller-Townson: What Is Your Hand in This?

Audio

A conversation with Charles Donelan.

‘Welcome to Isla Vista’ Episode 4: Political I.V.

Audio

Why does I.V. have such a vast network of parks? Why isn’t I.V. a city? And decades later, how did tragedy bolster support for the Community Services District, according to its founders?

Arts & Entertainment

Nolan Montgomery’s Musical Journey Returns to Santa Barbara

Music By Maggie Yates

After debuting a cabaret of standards, the Santa Barbara–based actor and musician premieres his original compositions with a new ensemble at Center Stage Theater on February 27.

One Last Look at the 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Photo By Leslie Dinaberg

The McHurley Year

SBIFF By Josef Woodard

Final Festival Act, Full Day of Quality Content

SBIFF By Josef Woodard

Kate Hudson Lights Up the Night at SBIFF Tribute

SBIFF By Leslie Dinaberg

More Arts & Entertainment

Food & Drink

Remembering the Ruskeys, California’s Most Adventurous Farmers

Full Belly Files By Matt Kettmann

Jay and Kristen Ruskey, pioneers of growing coffee, caviar limes, and more in California, died together last Sunday.

Drover’s Doughnuts Opens a New Location in Goleta

Food By Alice Dehghanzadeh

Will Santa Barbara County Vintners Benefit When ‘Michelin Guide’ Does Wine?

Bottles & Barrels By Matt Kettmann

Travel the Wine World via The Factory’s Portfolio Tastings

Bottles & Barrels By Matt Kettmann

More Food & Drink

Living

Facing ‘Extinction Vortex,’ California Grants New Protections To Some Mountain Lions

Environment By Rachel Becker, CalMatters

State fish and game officials declared mountain lions in the Central Coast and Southern California threatened under the state’s endangered species act.

Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens Nominated for National Register of Historic Places

History By Ryan P. Cruz

Branded Content

From SBCC to NASA

SBCC Alumni Spotlights By Tiana Molony

More Living